2024 Event
in review
Designers visited London on a groundbreaking trip that brought American designers and English makers together.
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Wells Abbott showrooms in the US exude a distinctive English aesthetic. To further immerse their US clients in this experience, they launched an innovative initiative. Working closely with their English brand partners, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and the Grosvenor Estate/Pimlico Road Design District, they presented this inaugural event tailored exclusively for American designers.
Going beyond the traditional showroom visit, curated offsite excursions to Wells Abbott partner production facilities and workshops, designers engaged directly with brands, hearing their stories and witnessing the intricacies of the creative process. In addition, showrooms on Pimlico Road and in the Design Centre hosted designers sharing new collections and diving deeper into their artisanal process.
Wells Abbott invests in their brands by bringing designers to their doorsteps. At the same time, they provide a unique opportunity for designers to delve deeper into their offerings and ultimately provide creative ideas that can be integrated into client projects. It’s a synergistic relationship where creativity thrives, and design boundaries are pushed (across the pond).
Wells Abbott welcomes new partners as this annual trip evolves into Design Destination London.
Highlights
From Last Year
Studio & Factory Tour
Designers joined Fermoie on a trip to their studio and factory complex, located in Marlborough. At the facility, designers met Fermoie founders Tom Helme and Martin Ephson, followed by a tour of the design studio, print facility, and workroom. Finally, designers enjoyed lunch at Martin’s historic country home.
"It was so much fun! You all put together an amazing 3 days! Thank you, thank you."
– Cathryn C, Attendee
Antiques Warehouse Tour
Designers visited the Jamb warehouse to witness their inner workings: craftspeople meticulously ageing bronze, fitting panes of glass and carving marble. The warehouse also houses one of the most extensive collections of antique fireplaces in the country and it is from this library that Jamb’s reproduction designs are drawn.
Visit to Yavington Barn
Designers joined Max Rollitt to visit his grainstore-turned-emporium, Yavington Barn, in which antique treasures sit side by side with Max Rollitt furniture and lighting. The tour also took in the polishing and upholstery workshops, where designers met the makers.
“A terrific day and so thankful to learn more about this incredible brand.”
– Lindsay L, Attendee
Exploring the Pimlico Road
Collier Webb hosted an open house in their Pimlico Road showroom, sharing a look at their artisanal process.
Designers joined a conversation with Bernie de Le Cuona of de Le Cuona, and previewed the Nature’s Opera Collection.
In the Robert Kime showroom, designers took an exclusive first look at their new wool carpet collection.
Finally, designers joined a cocktail party attended by all brands on The Pimlico Road.
A Conversation on Classic English Decorating
Moderated by Giles Kime, Executive and Interiors Editor of Country Life, renowned interior designers Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and Jane Churchill discussed the enduring appeal of classic English style. We discovered their secrets to creating elegant, characterful interiors, many of which draw inspiration from great English houses they know so well.
“It truly was a magnificant event. I am so impressed with the organization, the content, the details, and most of all the inspiration that I left with. THANK YOU!”
– Anonymous Survey Response
COcktails & Supper Under the Domes
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour hosted an Enchanted English Garden Evening. Cocktails and a seated supper were served under the airy domes of the building.
Last year, Wells Abbott launched an innovative initiative.
Wells Abbott showrooms in the US exude a distinctive English aesthetic. To further immerse their US clients in this experience, they launched an innovative initiative. Working closely with their English brand partners, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and the Grosvenor Estate/Pimlico Road Design District, they presented this inaugural event tailored exclusively for American designers.
Going beyond the traditional showroom visit, curated offsite excursions to Wells Abbott partner production facilities and workshops, designers engaged directly with brands, hearing their stories and witnessing the intricacies of the creative process. In addition, showrooms on Pimlico Road and in the Design Centre hosted designers sharing new collections and diving deeper into their artisanal process.
Wells Abbott invests in their brands by bringing designers to their doorsteps. At the same time, they provide a unique opportunity for designers to delve deeper into their offerings and ultimately provide creative ideas that can be integrated into client projects. It’s a synergistic relationship where creativity thrives, and design boundaries are pushed (across the pond).
Wells Abbott welcomes new partners as this annual trip evolves into Design Destination London.
Event Presenter
Participants
All Event Photography by
Destination #1
The Pimlico Road
This unique village, formed by various streets converging on The Pimlico Road, long has been established as an area of individual retailers and businesses catering to the discerning interior designer.
Destination #2
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is a premier destination for design and decoration excellence, home to 130 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.
What's Next?
Design Destination London
In 2025, Wells Abbott London welcomes new partners and becomes Design Destination London.